The Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) is an unforgettable seven-day, 620-mile journey down the breathtaking California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego. The ride begins on Saturday, October 16 with an arrival in San Diego on Friday, October 22, 2010. Participants have the option of riding a final stage on the 56-mile bike course used for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on Sunday, October 24. The Million Dollar Challenge riders will play a memorable role in that day’s “celebration of abilities.”
The money raised through MDC will help towards the acquisition of handcycles, sports chairs, sports prosthetics and other adaptive sports equipment for challenged athletes, as well as help subsidize their competition and training expenses.
Equipment that allows these individuals to engage in active lifestyles is very expensive –in fact, for many, it’s costprohibitive. A single handcycle runs upwards of $2,500 and a prosthetic running foot can average between $10,000 and $15,000. Adaptive training and competition expenses can make moving to the “next level” of athletic performance an insurmountable barrier for many challenged athletes.
Funding provided by CAF helps make it possible for thousands of physically challenged individuals to gain access to this equipment, and through CAF programs, mentorship and outreach they can experience the enhanced self-esteem that comes from participation in sports.In order for the CAF to reach the $1 million goal, each participating rider in the MDC must “give or get” $10,000!
“It was one of the most rewarding weeks of cycling I have ever experienced. It was amazing to ride for a cause that helps change the lives of so many athletes, and gives them the chance to enjoy what we do every day. In the end, I think I left the most inspired." Christian Vande Velde, Garmin-Transitions
MDC SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
Evening Check-in and Orientation: San Francisco, CA 10/15/2010
Day One: San Francisco to Santa Cruz (86 miles) 10/16/2010
Day Two: Santa Cruz to Big Sur (86 miles) 10/17/2010
Day Three: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo (114 miles) 10/18/2010
Day Four: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara (119 miles) 10/19/2010
Day Five: Santa Barbara to Santa Monica (89 miles) 10/20/2010
Day Six: Santa Monica to Newport (53 miles) 10/21/2010
Day Seven: Newport to La Jolla (72 miles) 10/22/2010
Optional Ride: 56 mile bike course of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge
Riders finish the 2009 Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge in La Jolla Shores
